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The Garden of Eden and Other Criminal Delights

by Faye Kellerman



      It was just a typical open house for a real estate agent and some prospective buyers. Typical, that is, until a dead body falls out of the broom closet. Thus begins "Open House", one of seventeen delectable short stories in Faye Kellerman's latest book, Garden of Eden and Other Criminal Delights. Master of the mystery/crime novel, Kellerman demonstrates her prowess with the short story as she assembles some of her best shorter creations for this engaging anthology. Included are "Mummy and Jack", a macabre tale depicting the twisted devotion of a son to his "Mummy," co-written with Kellerman's own son Jesse (who hopefully bares no resemblance to Jack) and "Luck of the Draw", a cute family story told in three viewpoints by Kellerman in collaboration with daughters Rachel and Ilana. Two brand new tales, "Open House", mentioned above, and "Garden of Eden", both featuring her well-loved detective, Peter Decker, are included among the seventeen as an added bonus.

Garden of Eden is an eclectic mix of stories that include crime/mystery, dysfunctional family dynamics and psychotic killers. Kellerman introduces each story with a delightful prologue that gives the reader an insight into each "story" behind the story. The collection ends with two tales drawn from Kellerman's own life: personal glimpses from her past that break down the wall between author and reader and allow us to get to know Faye Kellerman, the person behind the pen. A surprising and rather pleasant treat.

The Book

Warner Books
August 2006
Hardcover
0-446-53039-5
Anthology-mystery/crime
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Marcia Berneger
Reviewed 2006
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© 2006 MyShelf.com